The Gun Counter

The recent power outages have somewhat depleted my battery supply, so I need to get more. The local big-box (Costco) sells big packs of Duracells in the sizes I use most (D, AA and AAA). I generally don't buy too many because I don't use them, they just go dead in the drawer.

So, Gun Counter, is there a reliable way to store batteries for the long term and be fairly sure of having them work when I need them? I know some people freeze them, but thought I'd check in with smarter people than me to see if that's a good idea, or even helpful.

Yes, I know the proper way is to use them and replace them regularly. We just don't use that many battery-operated things most of the time. It's easy to forget the batteries in a flashlight you haven't touched in six months.

I think for alkalines putting them in the freezer really does work.

Not too long ago we transitioned to rechargeables. But rechargeable battery technology has gotten much better recently- there are now low self-discharge nimh's. As in you can charge them, store them and a couple months later they actually still has some charge on them. Sanyo eneloops were one of the first of the new type to come out, that's what we have.

We have a 48-pack of cheapo Kirkland alkalines that we got free with a coupon a few months back, we use some of those in remotes (alkalines are good for low-current draw applications) and the rest are in a closet for emergencies. We don't care to try to maximize their shelf life, if need be we'd just get another cheapo 48-pack.

If you can standardize on AA and AAA's, try the eneloops (or other lsd nimh's, Duracell sells them - some of those are even relabeled eneloops, people call them Duraloops ).

Oh and if you're really concerned about storage and shelf-life, pick up some lithium primaries. Like Energizer AA and AAA lithiums- that's what we have in the AA and AAA lights in the cars (glove box and trunk kit in each car).

Oh and we're looking to stop using D cells. The only things we have that use them are the big Maglites (2x 4-D and 1x 5-D) and a 4-D led lantern. The Mags all have led conversions, the 4-D's live in the cars under the passenger seat and the 5-D is by my bedside. They're tricky to replace because they're big sticks as well as lights.

But the lantern is going to be replaced soon. Try this or this. AA-powered led lanterns. They're sold under a few different labels but they're made by the same company. Word of mouth on CPF is that these are the AA led lanterns to have. One is 3xAA the other is 4xAA, one has lower output but a better (warm, aka yellow) tint that some people strongly desire, the other is more typical 'white' led (cool, aka blueish).

On freezing alkalines: I've had trouble in the past with alkaline batteries leaking after being frozen. The Maglite I kept in the Safari van last winter was chilled down to -5 degrees F and was nearly destroyed by leaking Energizers. I reckon any fluid in the welded steel battery cases would freeze-expand and crack the cases. After thawing, the liquid would get out and corrode the flashlight.

We kept an assortment of carbon-zinc batteries in the refridgerator in the ET-shop on the USS Shasta for flashlights and radios, but we kept them at 38 degrees F. (The battery-fridge also held sodas and sandwich-makin's.)

I notice that the batteries today don't have the "leakproof" guarantee anymore,...

I've never frozen my alkalines, but have always kept them refrigerated. As to long-term storage for emergency batteries, I will strongly second lithium batteries. They're quite a bit more expensive, but they will store at room temperature nearly indefinitely.

Refrigerate, don't freeze. Have heard that from many sources including a college level electronics class.

randy wrote:Refrigerate, don't freeze.

This. Back when I was in the NG, that's how the supply clerk kept regular batteries.

AAA/AA lithium primaries are good stuff, but pricey for disposeables.

For buying batteries in bulk, it's hard to beat this place. They get most of my business.

I'd also suggest investing in a few dynamo powered lights that you can crank for a minute or so and have light.